PM Shehbaz orders acceleration of power company privatization

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed officials to accelerate the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs), emphasizing that offloading loss-making state-owned enterprises is a government priority. During a high-level review meeting, the Prime Minister instructed that the privatization process must be transparent and that a robust regulatory framework should be established immediately after the transition to the private sector.

“

The prime minister instructed officials to ensure complete transparency throughout the privatisation process and establish a robust regulatory framework immediately following the transition of the Discos to the private sector.

The first phase of privatization will include the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO). Expressions of interest have been published, and the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the transaction structure for these three DISCOs. International roadshows are scheduled to attract investors from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and China.

“

Your partnership is strengthening our efforts to eliminate HIV, tuberculosis and malaria from Pakistan.

In a separate engagement, Prime Minister Sharif met with a Global Fund delegation, acknowledging their crucial role as a partner in Pakistan's healthcare system. He highlighted the government's commitment to eliminating TB, HIV, and malaria, stating that the partnership strengthens these efforts. The Prime Minister also directed the formation of a joint working group between Pakistan and the Global Fund focused on HIV/AIDS prevention. Officials briefed the delegation on the country's ongoing initiatives in combating these diseases.

“

He also directed the formation of a joint working group between the government of Pakistan and the Global Fund on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.